1996 Toyota 4runner Suspension Problems

Your 4Runner is slipping and causing you to lose control of the vehicle, and this has happened multiple times recently. You've researched your model and found that there were recalls issued for rear suspension problems on this generation 4Runner. The fix will likely involve inspection and possible replacement of rear suspension components that were identified in those recalls.

Your rear axle and suspension have severe rust damage. Your mechanic refused to lift the vehicle for routine maintenance because they're concerned the rusted components might collapse under the weight of the car.

Your vehicle's axle support has rusted through and separated from the frame, creating a dangerous condition. This could affect the stability and handling of your car. The repair will likely involve replacing the rusted axle support bracket and possibly reinforcing the connection points to the frame.

Your 4Runner's antilock brakes failed to stop the vehicle properly during a crash, and the airbags deployed after the truck was towed home and parked—when no one was inside. This is related to a Takata recall affecting suspension, airbags, and braking systems. The issue will likely require inspection and replacement of the faulty airbag system and brake components as part of the recall remedy.

Your 4Runner's frame is rusting severely from the inside out, with holes large enough to fit your arm through in areas that connect to the suspension. You may hear creaking noises developing, and a welder has indicated the frame damage is widespread and extremely difficult to repair. This is a critical structural issue that could compromise the vehicle's integrity and safety.

Your 4Runner has experienced multiple serious safety issues: a shock absorber broke through the frame, causing the vehicle to sway side-to-side while driving, and the frame is rusting from the inside out. The seat belts are also disconnecting from the buckle while you're driving. Additionally, a wheel separated from the vehicle when a ball joint failed. These issues create significant safety risks and require immediate professional inspection and repair of the suspension, frame, seat belt system, and steering components.

Your vehicle feels unbalanced while driving, and you're concerned the tires might come off due to the movement. You've also noticed the metal attachment parts look severely rusted. A mechanic should inspect the suspension components, wheel bearings, and lug nuts for rust and damage to ensure everything is secure.

Your 4Runner's frame has developed a fair amount of rust, which is causing concern about the vehicle's overall trustworthiness and structural integrity. The rust was noticed gradually over time rather than appearing suddenly. Addressing frame rust typically involves professional inspection, rust treatment, and potentially protective coatings to prevent further corrosion.

FRAME BADLY ROTTED CROSSMEMBER FOR TRANSMISSION AND LEFT REAR ARE WORST .

KNOWN DOCUMENTED ISSUES WITH TOYOTA 4RUNNER FRAME ROT. THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE THE CONTROL ARM SUPPORT BRACKETS ARE SHOWING SIGNS OF RUST THROUGH WITH HOLES APPEARING IN THE BRACKETS. THIS IS DOCUMENTED WITH PHOTOS! THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW BY MY FATHER IN 96, ALWAYS GARAGE KEPT ,IN 2006 I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE FROM HIM AND ALSO IS KEPT IN A DRY GARAGE NOT SITTING OUT OVER MOIST SOIL. THE 4RUNNER HAS NEVER BEEN IN A ACCIDENT. I AM A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO PERFORMS SAFETY INSPECTIONS AS I WORK FOR ENGINEERING UNIVERSITY. IT CAME TO MY ATTENTION WHEN I WAS HEARING AND READING STORIES OF THESE 3RD GENERATION 4RUNNERS HAVE STABILITY PROBLEMS DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE RUSTED OUT FRAME SUPPORT BRACKETS THAT HOLD THE CONTROL ARMS IN PLACE FOR THE REAR AXLE. THIS IS A MAIN FRAME COMPONENT , IF THE SUPPORT BRACKET BREAK FREE IT ALLOWS THE AXLE TO WANDER AROUND AS IT'S NOT BEING HELD IN PLACE, CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING STABILITY, IT IS A ROAD HAZARD THAT IS EVENTUALLY GOING TO KILL PEOPLE . I HAVE A 95 BLAZER THAT WAS PURCHASED SIX MONTHS BEFORE THE 4RUNNER AND I STILL HAVE IT! THE BODY ON THE BLAZER IS LITERALLY RUSTED EVERYWHERE HOWEVER,THE INTEGRITY OF THE FRAME IS STILL SOLID BUT THE FRAME IS RUSTED BADLY ! CONVERSELY, THE BODY ON THE 4RUNNER IS EXCELLENT ESPECIALLY FOR THE YEAR, HAVING A RUSTED OUT BODY IS A APPEARANCE ISSUE NOT A SAFETY RELATED ISSUE AS IN THE 3RD GENERATION TOYOTA 4RUNNER THAT RESIDE IN THE UPPER MIDWEST. TOYOTA HAS A A BUY BACK PROGRAM WITH TUNDRA PICKUPS THAT HAVE FRAMES THAT ARE SAFETY HAZARDS. I FEEL THESE 4RUNNERS ARE NO DIFFERENT THAN THE TUNDRAS, TOYOTA SHOULD HAVE THE FRAMES EITHER REPLACED OR BUY THE VEHICLE BACK! I TOOK GREAT CARE OF THIS 4RUNNER IT LOOKS GREAT ,HOWEVER I CAN NOT SELL IT DUE TO THE POSSIBILITY OF THE CONTROL ARM BREAKING FREE FROM THE FRAME CAUSED BY INSIDE FRAME ROT.

ON DECEMBER 31, 2014 WE WERE DRIVING IN HILLSBORO, OH AND NOTICED A POPPING AND CRACKING NOISE UPON STOPPING AND ACCELERATING. ON THE WAY HOME, WE NOTICED THAT THE NOISE SUBSIDED. ON JANUARY 1, 2015, WENT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE JUST OUTSIDE OUR CORPORATION LIMIT AND NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SWAYING BACK AND FORTH LIKE A BOAT OUT ON THE WATER, AND THOUGHT IT WAS JUST CAUSED BY EXCESSIVE WIND. ON JANUARY 2, 2015 WE WERE TRAVELLING ON US 35 TOWARDS CHILLICOTHE, OH AND HIT A RIPPLE IN THE ROAD AND THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE STARTED SWAYING VIOLENTLY AT ABOUT 45 MPH. WE PULLED THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD AND THOUGHT IT WAS IN THE FRONT END AND COULDN'T SEE ANYTHING. WE TOOK OFF AGAIN AND IT DID THE SAME THING AT ABOUT THE SAME SPEED AND PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND DECIDED TO TAKE IT TO GUSWEILER TOYOTA IN WASHINGTON C.H. OH APPROXIMATELY 3 MILES AWAY. A TECHNICIAN INFORMED US THAT THE FRAME WAS BROKEN WHERE THE LEFT REAR TORTION BAR HOOKS TO THE FRAME. HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED HOME AND UPON FURTHER INSPECTION WE FOUND THAT THE FRAME HAS CRACKS ALL THROUGH IT. WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN SEPTEMBER 2013 FROM A USED CAR DEALER WHO BOUGHT IT FROM JOSEPH AIRPORT TOYOTA IN DAYTON OH. TO DATE WE ONLY PUT 5,169 MILES ON IT AND IT HAS BEEN JUST SITTING EVER SINCE.

AS I WAS MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN FROM A STOP, THE VEHICLE BECAME SEVERELY POOR HANDLING. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS REALIZED THAT THE MOUNTING FLANGE FOR THE RIGHT REAR CONTROL ARM AND FRAME HAD RUSTED THROUGH AND THE CONTROL ARM WAS NO LONGER CONNECTED TO THE FRAME. *TR

MY SON WAS DRIVING VEHICLE AND HIT A POTHOLE CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION THE FRAME HAD BROKE INTO BECAUSE IT WAS RUSTING FROM THE INSIDE OUT. *TR

I WAS PULLING A U HAUL TRAILER AS I HAVE DONE MANY TIMES, BUT THIS TIME I NOTICED THE TRAILER WANTED TO SWAY AT 40-55 MPH. WHEN I RETURNED THE TRAILER I THEN NOTICES THE TRUCK HANDLING BADLY, AT 65MPH IT WAS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO KEEP IT IN MY LANE AS IT WAS ROCKING SIMILAR TO HAVING A BROKEN STRUT. I GOT THE TRUCK HOME AND CALLED UNDER IT AND THAT'S WHEN I SAW THE MOUNT FOR THE LOWER RIGHT REAR CONTROL HAD BROKEN COMPLETELY AWAY FROM THE FRAME. UNLESS THIS CAN BE REPAIRED, WHICH IS HIGHLY UNLIKELY THE TRUCK WILL HAVE TO BE SCRAPPED. ALL OTHER FEATURES ON THIS TRUCK ARE IN GREAT WORKING ORDER. TOYOTA NEED TO DO SOMETHING. I HAVE A FRIEND WHO HAD A 95 TACOMA WHO RECEIVED A LETTER FROM TOYOTA THAT INSTRUCTED HIM TO COME IN ONCE A YEAR FOR A FREE INSPECTION FOR THIS TYPE OF FAILURE, IF IT DIDN'T PASS TOYOTA WOULD BY THE TRUCK BACK. I'M TRYING TO CONTACT THE ZONE OFFICE NOW TO SEE WHAT ACTION I NEED TO TAKE. I HAVE A 1957 CHEVY 3/4 TON TRUCK AND HAS NO RUST ISSUES, WHAT'S YOUR DEAL TOYOTA!! *TR

THE FRAME ON MY 1996 4RUNNER IS RUSTED BEYOND REPAIR. A PLACE WITH SIGNIFICANT RUST HAD BEND AND WOULD BREAK OFF AT ANY MOMENT. THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND COMPLETELY USELESS AT THIS POINT. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE MAIN FRAME IN FRONT OF THE LEFT REAR WHEEL FRACTURED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION HAD CORROSION BUILD UP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DISCOVERED THAT THE FRAME WAS DESTROYED BEYOND REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE WAS 195,000.

I SEE THAT YOU GUYS HAVE ORDERED A RECALL ON 2001-2002 TOYOTA 4RUNNER FOR THE LOWER BALL JOINT FAILING. THE PART NUMBER FOR THE LOWER BALL JOINT IS THE SAME FOR YEARS 1996-2002 AND THERE ARE NUMEROUS POSTS OF PEOPLE HAVING THEIR BALL JOINT FAIL ON YEARS PRIOR TO 2001. CAN YOU PLEASE EXPLAIN WHY ONLY YEARS 2001-2002 ARE COVERED? THIS IS A LIABILITY AND TOYOTA SHOULD KNOW THAT THE SAME PART NUMBER IS COVERED FOR ALL 3RD GENERATION TOYOTA 4RUNNERS AND IT IS FAILING ON ALL 3RD GENERATION 4RUNNERS. PLEASE DO A QUICK GOOGLE SEARCH AND YOU WILL SEE NUMEROUS PEOPLE GETTING INTO ACCIDENTS, FLIPS, ETC. ON 4RUNNERS THAT ARE PRE 2001 (1996-2000) BECAUSE OF LOWER BALL JOINT FAILURE. THIS HAS THE POTENTIAL OF PEOPLE BRINGING SUIT AGAINST TOYOTA AS WELL AS THE SAFETY COMMISSION FOR THEIR NEGLIGENCE IN FIXING THIS MATTER. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS PRESENT FROM THE DRIVER SIDE REAR WHEEL AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THAT THE METAL BAR THAT HELD THE REAR AXLE WAS RUSTED AND BECAME DETACHED FROM THE FRAME. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE DEFECT WAS NOT REPAIRABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 186,000.

THE REAR END OF THE FRAME BROKE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE BACK BY THE REAR WHEEL GOING AT A SPEED OF 60 MPH. UPON APPLYING THE BRAKES THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SWAY OUT OF CONTROL. TO MAKE MATTERS WORSE THERE WAS AN ON COMING SEMI & ANOTHER ONE FOLLOWING BEHIND ME, WAY TOO CLOSE OF COURSE. THIS SCARED THE HELL OUT OF ME FOR I THOUGHT FOR SURE THAT THERE WAS GOING TO BE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. I HAVE TAKEN EXCELLENT CARE OF MY 4RUNNER FROM THE DAY I BOUGHT IT NEW IN 1996 & PRIDED MYSELF FOR IT LOOKING LIKE NEW. ALL THE SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE HAD BEEN PERFORMED OVER THE YEARS. IT DOES NOT LEAK ANY FLUID OR BURN ANY OIL WITH 250,230 MILES ON IT. IN FACT I RECEIVE COMPLIMENTS REGULARLY ON IT'S EXCELLENT CONDITION. NO DOOR DINGS, KEEP IT POLISHED & IN THE WINTER RINSE THE UNDER BODY AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK TO KEEP THE SALT OFF. I HAD PLANNED ON DRIVING THIS VEHICLE FOR AT LEAST ANOTHER 100,000 MILES. AFTER ESCAPING A NEAR DEATH ACCIDENT I NURSED IT OVER TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP FOR I COULD NOT SEE ANYTHING WRONG BY SIMPLY LOOKING UNDER THE VEHICLE. ONCE I ARRIVED AT THE DEALERSHIP THEY PUT IT UP ON THE LIFT & ASKED ME TO COME LOOK AT IT. I WAS IN DISBELIEF AT WHAT I HAD SAW. A PORTION OF THE FRAME THAT KEPT THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR WHEEL IN PLACE WAS COMPLETELY SEPARATED. WHEN I ASKED THEM WHAT COULD BE DONE THEY SUGGESTED A NEW FRAME. I SAID CAN YOU TELL ME HOW MUCH THAT WOULD COST HE SAID HE WOULD CHECK & COME & GET ME. HE CAME BACK SEVERAL MINUTES LATER TO TELL ME IT WOULD BE A MINIMUM OF $10,000.00. EVEN IN EXCELLENT CONDITION THE VEHICLE MIGHT BE WORTH $3,000.00. NOT ONLY DO I NOT HAVE $10,000.00 TO FIX & IF I DID, WOULD I? I DON'T KNOW A LOT ABOUT REPLACING FRAMES, BUT I KNOW IT'S NO SMALL JOB. WOULD IT BE WORTH IT? I BOUGHT A TOYOTA BECAUSE THEY'RE SUPPOSED TO LAST FOREVER. NOW I'M LEFT WITH NO VEHICLE & I HAVE NOTHING TO TRADE IN! WILL TOYOTA STAND BEHIND IT'S PRODUCT? *TR

THE VEHICLE RIGHT REAR VEERED TO THE RIGHT BECAUSE LOWER CONTROL ARM DETACHED (BROKE) FROM FRAME (STRUT ROD FASTENED TO THE FRAME). I LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE BUT REGAINED, NARROWLY MISSING A LITTLE GIRL ON HER BIKE. TOYOTA HAS HAD RECALLS ON TACOMA, TUNDRA, AND SOME SIENNA FOR PREMATURELY RUSTED AND BROKEN FRAMES. I CALLED TOYOTA IN LOCAL TOWN AND THEY SAID MY VIN NUMBER HAS HAD NO RECALL. TO MY RESEARCH, THE 4-RUNNER HAS THE SAME FRAME AND BUILD AS THE TACOMA WITH NUMEROUS RECALLS. MECHANIC STATED THE BREAK SHOULD NEVER HAVE HAPPENED. I HAVE KEPT THIS VEHICLE WITHIN ALL MANUFACTURER'S SUGGESTED REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE. I TRUSTED TOYOTA AS A VEHICLE THAT WAS SAFE AND DEPENDABLE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER. THE CONTACT ISNT CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING ANY FAILURES AT THIS TIME. THE CONTACT HAS BEEN WAITING TO HAVE THE RECALL REPAIR HONORED SINCE JANUARY 1, 2007. THE RELATED RECALL# IS 0V021000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 115000.

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 20MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL FRACTURED AND DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE LOWER BALL JOINT WAS WORN. THE VEHICLE RESIDES AT THE DEALER WAITING ADDITIONAL INSPECTION.

HAPPENED TO NOTICED FLUID AROUND RIM. REPEATED REAR AXLE SEAL LEAK. BELIEVE BACK SPACING OF SEAL AGAINST THE ABS RING IS OF A QUARTER OF INCH. CAUSING VEHICLE TO VIBRATE AND CREATE LOUD GRINDING HUM. BRAKES HAVE BECOME SOAKED IN GEAR OIL. CAUSING BRAKES TO LOCK UP AND SMOKE PROFUSELY. BELIEVETOYOTA IS AWARE OF ISSUE. *AK

RECALL 02V021000 CONCERNING REAR SUSPENSION. CONSUMER HAD RECALL REPAIRS DONE ONCE, BUT THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK

AFTER MAKING AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE REAR SUSPENSION RECALL 02V021000 PERFORMED THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE . THIS HAS OCCURRED ON FIVE SEPARATE OCCASIONS.*AK *NM

CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL REGARDING THE REAR SUSPENSION. *AK *JB

PER THE CONSUMER THE DEALERSHIP IS REFUSING TO HONOR THE RECALL FOR THE REAR SUSPENSION 02V-021, TOYOTA MOTOR, CLEVELAND OH, 216-321-9100 .*JB

CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 02 V 021 000. CONTACTED DEALER, AND PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE.*AK

CONSUMER HAD REAR SUSPENSION REPAIRS PRIOR TO RECALL SSC20A NOTIFICATION. DEALER REPACKED AND ADJUSTED REAR AXLE AND REPLACED BEARINGS. CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR EXPENSES INCURRED PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE. *TT

AFTER VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER RECALL 02 V021 000, AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS REAR OF VEHICLE LOST DIRECTIONAL STABILITY, RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL/COLLISION. *AK

WHEN CARRYING MORE WEIGHT VEHICLE GRINDS AND FISHTALES IN BACK. WEIGHT IS ON SHOCKS INSTEAD OF SPRINGS WHICH CAUSES SHOCKS TO WEAR OUT.*AK

THIS ACCIDENT HAS BEEN REFERRED TO A LAWYER AND AN ENGINEERING EXPERT TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE AXLE FAILED DUE TO A MECHANICAL DEFECT. ON WITNESS FOLLOWING THE VEHICLE SAID THE VEHICLE DROPPED.

SUSPENSION SPRINGS FAILED.

HIGH SPEED MANEUVER TO AVOID ROAD HAZARD RESULTED IN A ROLL OVER/ACCIDENT.

WHEN THE VEHICLE IS LOADED AND UPON HITTING A BUMP, THE VEHICLE BECOMES VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL, CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DELAER, DEALER HAS REPLACED THE SHOCKS AND THE SPRINGS. *AK

REAR SUSPENSION FAILED.

VEHICLE HAS A SEVERE VIBRATION PROBLEM. *AK

VEHICLE PULLS AND VIBRATES EXCESSIVELY W/FRONT TIRES WORN. DEALER NOT ABLE TO ADJUST THEM BECAUSE VEHICLE IS TOO NEW. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS.